The UK Government’s Help to Grow: Digital scheme has announced it is open for applications from the 20th of January.

The programme is designed to support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting digital tech to boost further growth.

Under the scheme, eligible businesses can now receive discounts of up to £5,000 off the retail price of approved Digital Accounting and CRM software.

Companies can use the software to help them effectively manage finances and build customer relationships, ultimately boosting the way they are run and helping them to scale up.

Businesses across the UK can also access practical, specialised support and advice on how to choose the right digital tech to boost their growth and productivity through a new online platform.

Commenting on the announcement, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “I want UK businesses to be primed and ready to seize all the opportunities on the horizon as we build back better from the pandemic.

“Adopting technology means higher performance, and the Help to Grow: Digital scheme is future-proofing our small businesses and putting the UK at the forefront of the worldwide digital revolution.”

The new programme is running alongside the Help to Grow: Management scheme, launched in 2021 as part of wider government efforts to back businesses and level up the economy.

Through Help to Grow: Digital, the government is providing business leaders with the advice and funding they need to embrace digital technology and help their business grow.

Mike Cherry, National Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Small businesses are often keen to embrace new technologies, but we know that one in four lack confidence in their own basic digital skills.

“For those small firms who are eligible, providing the means to make improvements through projects like this will make a real difference for those that are keen to expand their knowledge and skills.

“Our own research has shown that just 40% of small business owners have used applications like cloud services and online data storage or back-up. It’s crucial that practical changes like this scheme are put in place to help small firms adopt digital technologies, making improvements to their own business and driving growth.”

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Through the Help to Grow schemes, the government is helping businesses to boost productivity with training and software.

Additionally, further products will be brought to help SMEs to grow, including new software to help maximise online sales.

Help to Grow: Management is 90% funded by the government and delivered by UK business schools with the support of experienced entrepreneurs and industry figures.

Paramjit Uppal, founder and CEO of AND Digital, said that SMEs are a vital part of the UK economy and must be supported during their post-pandemic recovery.

“Digital innovation has become a huge priority for businesses that want to better understand and engage with customers, as well as drive growth in an increasingly competitive global market,” Uppal said.

“Becoming good at software and data is at the heart of unlocking these opportunities. However, there is a huge skills gap and a very limited availability of skilled people – this is also contributing to the ‘great resignation’.

“Our latest research shows that almost three quarters of UK businesses say they need greater data skills – which spans software development, platform, and agile ways of working – to help improve growth.”

Uppal added: “We believe business will need to look at their own overarching tech talent approach, including attracting, growing, and retaining talent if this latest government scheme is to fulfil its true potential.”

To find out how your business can get Help to Grow, visit the GOV.UK Help to Grow page.

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